HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Brock Bowers is doubtful because of a knee injury and will be a game-day decision when the Las Vegas Raiders visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, but coach Klint Kubiak expressed optimism that his star tight end was close to returning.
Kubiak said Friday he was hopeful Bowers would be back for the Sept. 27 game at New Orleans. Bowers did not play in last Sunday's 27-13 victory over Miami after undergoing knee surgery earlier in the week.
Cornerback Darien Porter will not play because of a foot injury he sustained in the game against the Dolphins.
Third-team quarterback Aidan O'Connell has not practiced since Thursday because of a family matter and likely won't be with the team in Los Angeles.
Michael Mayer probably will take on a larger role again without Bowers. Mayer caught six passes for 32 yards against the Dolphins.
Bowers had knee surgery last week to repair his meniscus, a person with knowledge of the procedure told The Associated Press shortly afterward. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the procedure hadn’t been announced.
Bowers was dogged by a knee injury last season that drastically cut into his production. He caught 64 receptions for 680 yards, though he scored seven touchdowns.
In 2024, Bowers put together the greatest rookie season for a tight end in league history after he was drafted 13th overall out of Georgia. His 1,194 yards receiving broke Hall of Famer Mike Ditka’s 63-year-old record for a rookie tight end, and Bowers’ 112 receptions set the standard for any first-year receiver.
The Raiders have a decision about how to fill Porter's spot. Hezekiah Masses, drafted in the fifth round this year, took Porter's place against the Dolphins and was immediately targeted by quarterback Malik Willis. But Masses held firm and even recorded a pass breakup.
He or Jermod McCoy, taken in the fourth round this year, will get the start and they could share playing time. McCoy was considered a first-round pick before an ACL injury wiped out his final season at Tennessee and caused him to fall in the draft. The Raiders traded up to get McCoy.
“We have two guys that are ready to go,” Kubiak said.
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Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
FILE - Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) participates during an NFL football practice, Aug. 11, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker, File)
VIRGINIA WATER, England (AP) — Ryan Gerard finished eagle-birdie to shoot a 7-under 65 on Friday and take a two-stroke lead after the second round of the BMW PGA Championship, which will not feature Patrick Reed, Tommy Fleetwood or Jon Rahm over the weekend.
The No. 21-ranked Gerard moved to 12-under for the week at the flagship event on the European tour, showing the kind of form that would serve the U.S. team well at the upcoming Presidents Cup.
The issue for the Americans is that Gerard, who was third at the Tour Championship last month, wasn't picked by captain Brandt Snedeker for the 12-man roster.
Gerard was bogey-free Friday — he has dropped just one shot all week — and produced a big finish on the back-to-back closing par 5s at Wentworth after making birdies at Nos. 12 and 13. He rolled in a 20-foot putt for eagle at No. 17 and then reached the green in two at No. 18 before two-putting for birdie.
Adam Scott (67) and Filippo Cello (66) were among the morning starters and set the clubhouse target that only Gerard surpassed. U.S. PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai (69) and Manuel Elvira (66) were tied for fourth place a further shot back.
At the other end of the scoring — in last place of the 138 players to complete 36 holes — was Rahm, whose 78-77 left him on 11 over, 23 shots behind Gerard in what might rank as the worst of the Spaniard's 228 tournaments as a professional.
Rahm’s 6-over 78 in the first round on Thursday was his highest score in a non-major since a 78 in the opening round of the Andalucia Masters in 2021. A day later, he hit his first shot — a drive at No. 9 — into a bunker and went on to make five bogeys and a double on the way to his 77.
The two-time major champion, who finished tied for 23rd at the Irish Open on Sunday, is one of the biggest stars in LIV Golf, the breakaway circuit that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last week with debts of more than $500 million. Rahm was among the leading four creditors listed in the filing.
No. 8-ranked Fleetwood missed the cut, too after shooting 74 following an opening 73.
Reed, the leader of the Race to Dubai ranking ahead of Rory McIlroy, won't be around at the weekend for another reason.
The American was forced to retire with an apparent hand injury midway through the second round. He was 9-over for his round — and 5 over for the tournament — when he chose to stop playing and was seen being driven away from the 10th tee after hitting his drive.
Reed appeared to be flexing his left hand.
He had two sevens on his card in his second round — a triple on the par-4 first hole and a double on the par-5 fourth — as well as another double on No. 8.
McIlroy shot 67 and was in a five-way share of sixth place on 8 under. Also in that group was British Open champion Ryan Fox (68) and former U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun (66).
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Ryan Gerard, of United States, watches his shot during the first round of the PGA Championship golf tournament in Virginia Water, England, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)
Australia's Adam Scott plays from the 7th fairway on day two of the PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club, in Virginia Water, England, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)
Jon Rahm of Spain drops his club on the 13th hole during the first round of the BMW Championship golf tournament in Virginia Water, England, Thursday Sept. 17, 2026. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)
